Heroin Detox: Methadone Facts

Question: I have heard of heroin detox that uses anesthesia. is this better?

(Posted by: annie lk on 2007-07-04 22:06:15)

A neighbor of mine is currently undergoing heroin detox. Would it be better for him if they switch to anesthesia- assisted heroin detox? I was planning on suggesting this, but I'm not sure about the effects and benefits.

Posted by: aleah b on 2007-07-04, 22:07:30

Actually, it's not better than the usual heroin detox. It has been proven that there is no change in the withdrawal symptoms felt by the people who had undergone detox without anesthesia, and those who had undergone treatment with anesthesia. There are even those who experienced complications while undergoing anesthesia-assisted heroin detox because of pre-existing medical conditions. There are lots of risks involved, and no proven advantages. Researches have even shown that using buprenorphine or naltrexone are even better.